Barcelona's desire to sell Frenkie de Jong has become more apparent with the Manchester United target's contract being revealed.
United's number one priority throughout the summer has been to sign De Jong, with Erik ten Hag looking to be reunited with the midfielder who helped Ajax reach the Champions League semi finals in 2019.
Advert
Despite his obvious talent, it doesn't really feel like Barca are desperate to keep the 25-year-old and it's only his wish to stay that's really delaying things.
That's because the club's financial problems are still at large and playing a part in the delay to make any more signings this summer, despite Franck Kessie being confirmed on Monday.
Now De Jong's contract has been revealed by Marca and it shows exactly how much they need to pay the former Ajax star in the next four years.
According to the Spanish paper, the club owe him at least €88.58 million in the next four years but that could go up another €20.8 million with bonuses and clauses.
The Netherlands international deferred some of the payments from his contract due to the season of Covid behind closed doors, as did many Barca players.
Advert
That money plus a rising salary is owed to the midfielder, along with an increase in loyalty bonuses after staying with the club for three years.
In the 2023/24 season he would be due to earn up to €27.7 million just from his fixed wage and bonuses, but it could still go up depending on performances.
Getting all that money off the wage bill, plus the £60 million + that they would earn from selling the player, could help the Catalan giants sign players in other positions that need strengthening.
Despite a recent £200 million cash injection, the club are struggling with the wage cap that's been placed on them, and the emergence of Gavi and Pedri means De Jong isn't as integral as he might have been.
United look to finally be making other moves in the transfer window, as they wait to find out what will happen with the De Jong move.
Advert
Christian Eriksen has reportedly agreed terms on his move whilst confirmation of Feyenoord left back Tyrell Malacia's transfer is imminent.
The big problem for Ten Hag now is the revelation from last weekend that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave the club, due to their failure to make it into the Champions League.
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a move for the 37-year-old, who is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Napoli, but it remains to be seen if they'll pay the big money required to sign him.
Advert
Ronaldo is said to be open to taking a significant pay cut in order to sign for a club in Europe's elite club competition, something he's not missed since playing for Sporting in 2002.
His desire to play in Champions League comes from not wanting to lose his goal scoring record to Lionel Messi, and having another chance to win it.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Transfers, Premier League, La Liga, Barcelona, Frenkie De Jong, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours